And I just tested the new R 1250 RT recently.
There are no major improvements aesthetically to the new R 1250 RT compared with the previous RT model.
The aesthetic changes are new cylinder covers and manifold routing, the header pipes is designed to a vertical curve to the exhaust pipes. Plus, the cast aluminium 17-inch wheels get a new design.
However, the biggest improvement on this new machine is the variable camshaft control system called BMW ShiftCam that ensures superior running smoothness and comfort.
It also provided power for swift cornering and immense torque on the straights. The new twin-cylinder boxer engine with 136HP allows riders to experience the power of the machine at its best.
The ergonomics of the R 1250 RT was spot on for me.
There was a lot of legroom, the upright seating position was comfy and the reach to the handlebars and pegs were perfect.
The saddle is firm and comfortable.
I rode some 600km on this bike and the saddle was wide enough for me to move around comfortably. The bike comes with two riding modes - the standard Road and Rain.
Road is perfect for any open road ride meanwhile the rain mode is apt for any wet condition.
While riding in the city centre, I realised that even at low rpm, this machine is smooth like how I felt on the open road.
The broader power band also comes with increased horsepower and torque that allows one to experience super smooth riding at any rpm at any speed.
I can ride comfortably in any traffic-congested road and immediately whip up the speed and cruise on the highway.
I took the bike to Fraser’s Hill and believe me, it was a memorable experience.
The R 1250 RT was able to take every corner and turn with ease as its weight was well distributed.
But whenever it is stationary, the bike felt top heavy.
Every time I lean into a corner, the bike was able to hold its line effortlessly. There was little effort to get the bike out of the lean and exit. It was fun. The RT’s handling in the corners is close to perfect.
The second and third gears gave me all the needed boost to enter and exit corners.
At a few tight corners, I did not have to downshift but decreased the speed and the RT had enough power to accelerate and exit at ease. Nice!
The torque builds up more steadily than the predecessor, thus making acceleration much more fun throughout the second and third gears and occasionally on the fourth gear.
The high torque curve and abundance of power with fewer gear changes quickly becomes very important in this sort of ride.
During my ride on the North South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, the R 1250 RT stayed smooth and comfortable.
Music accompanied me throughout my journey with the speakers still audible despite riding at very high speed.
The consistency in power delivery is what I liked about this bike. There are no surprises every time I twisted the throttle regardless the engine speed I am in.
On the open road, wind buffeting can be a problem. But on this machine, its electronically adjustable windscreen and large fairings kept the wind and light rain from me.
I did a few hard brakings and was satisfied with how the motorcycle remained stable.
The linked anti-lock braking system (ABS) did an excellent job in ensuring the bike stopped at any speed immediately.
The front brakes are fitted with dual 320mm discs with four-piston calipers. The rear is a single 276mm disc with dual-piston floating caliper.
The bike also comes with Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and ABS Pro (with Cornering ABS), which offers added safety and riding confidence.
At Batu Ferringhi in Penang, I was caught in traffic on a slightly inclined road. That was when I put the BMW’s Hill Start Pro feature to good use.
With the Hill Start Pro, the bike stayed on an incline without me having to squeeze the brake lever.
All I had to do was to squeeze the front brake lever for few seconds.
And voila, the bike did not move until I engaged the clutch to move again.
Hill Start Pro is useful and practical indeed when you have a pillion rider.
Overall, the R 1250 RT looks big and intimidating. The minute I started moving, the R 1250 RT felt like it had shed half its weight and was extremely agile.
Mind you, I weigh only 67kg but the bike was still easy to handle.
This RM126,340 (before SST) machine is definitely a premium sport-tourer that is designed for long distance riding with highly satisfying performance and comfort.
What else can I say?
SPECIFICATIONS
BMW R 1250 RT
Engine: 1,254cc air-/liquid-cooled 180-degree boxer twin cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, Shift Cam variable valve timing
Maximum power: 136hp at 7,750rpm
Maximum torque: 143Nm at 6,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Front suspension: BMW Telelever 37mm fork, central spring strut; 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable shock; 13mm travel
Front braking system: Dual floating 320mm discs, 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Rear braking system: Single disc brake, diameter 276mm, dual-piston floating caliper, ABS
Fuel capacity: 25 litres
Wet weight: 266kg
Features: Hill Start Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Stability Control, cornering ABS, road and rain riding modes, cruise control, automatic windshield
Price: RM126,340 (before SST)
